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Understanding the Basics

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test

Getting Settled - The Essentials
A grocery store employee speaks with a group of new service members in the meat department.

Getting Connected - The Essentials
Basic trainees align in formation.

Military Career - The Essentials

Latest Content

Military pay technician examines a financial document.

Your Leave and Earnings Statement

December 13, 2018 @ 2:00 PM | 3 Min Read | 41304 Views

Your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, is one of the most important financial documents you have for mastering your money and achieving your financial goals. Here's how to decipher the code.
Basic training obstacle course.

10 Tips to Take to Basic Training

December 13, 2018 @ 1:55 PM | 3 Min Read | 29588 Views

Basic training varies by service branch, but it’ll help you to know these facts of military life before you report for duty. Own these 10 bits of advice from people who have been there.
U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test

Meeting Fitness Standards

December 13, 2018 @ 1:55 PM | 3 Min Read | 26312 Views

Physical fitness is a big part of life in the military. It’s required. Each service member is regularly tested. A Military OneSource Health and Wellness Coach can help you get or stay fit.
Man fills out paperwork

Department of Defense Identification Cards

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 4 Min Read | 154394 Views

One of the most valuable assets to service members is their military ID. The Department of Defense issues distinct identification cards to uniformed service members, their family members and other eligible individuals to serve as proof of the cardholder's identity and Department of Defense affiliation.
Man in a military uniform shows a stack of twenty dollar bills.

Managing Your Money as a New Service Member

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 4 Min Read | 18462 Views

You're learning a lot of new skills in the military, and money management should be one of them. As a service member, you may earn more, get special duty pay or have new expenses. It's your money. Make the most of it by creating a financial plan. Staying on top of your finances is important for your security clearance, your career and your future.
National Guardsman salutes the flag.

Military Insignia: What Are Those Stripes and Bars?

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 15503 Views

The stripes and bars on a military uniform signify rank. If you’re new to the military, you know enough to understand that rank matters.
Close up of female accountant or banker

Thrift Savings Plan Options: Making Your Retirement Dollars Work for You

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 6 Min Read | 18372 Views

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. The best way to get started is the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services that gives you two ways to sock away some cash.
Woman writes on budget sheet

Are You Financially Fit? How to Make Financial Wellness Happen

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 5 Min Read | 33709 Views

They say money can't buy happiness, but a financially-healthy future can buy peace of mind. Plus, financial security at home allows service members to be more focused and mission-ready.
A grocery store employee speaks with a group of new service members in the meat department.

Support and Resources Through the Commissary and Exchange

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 17488 Views

You may already know that shopping for groceries at the commissary or for electronics at the exchange can amount to significant savings. But you may not know that these stores also offer additional perks like contest prizes, scholarships and family employment opportunities, all while supporting your war-fighter overseas. Check out our listings below for benefits you may not have heard about.
A service member smiles and holds up a pink piggy bank

The Savings Deposit Program

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 5 Min Read | 19932 Views

If a combat deployment is in your future, be sure to learn about the Savings Deposit Program, a savings account that earns you 10 percent interest. An effective way to collect some savings, the Savings Deposit Program can help you and your family achieve your financial goals.
Basic trainees align in formation.

Air Force Basic Training: What to Expect

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 1 Min Read | 26814 Views

When joining the Air Force you can choose one of two paths, either enlist or get a commission as an officer. If you enlist, your first stop will be Air Force Basic Training, eight-and-a-half weeks of physical preparation to serve, before you move onto more technical training. If you take the officer path, you’ll go to Officer Training School, the U.S. Air Force Academy or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Navy Basic Crewman Training candidate takes a breath during a conditioning swim

Navy Boot Camp and Officer Candidate School: What to Expect

August 29, 2018 @ 12:55 PM | 2 Min Read | 39158 Views

Navy Boot Camp is the first step in turning you into a sailor with all the skills to perform in the fleet. If you're on the Navy officer path, you'll attend a 12-week course to prepare for an officer's responsibilities. Know what to expect and arrive ready for Navy training.
Army soldiers low crawl while negotiating an obstacle course in basic training

Army Basic Training and Officer Candidate School: What to Expect

August 29, 2018 @ 12:54 PM | 4 Min Read | 59748 Views

Basic training is the first step in preparing you to be a soldier. It starts with basic combat training or Army boot camp. Then comes specialized training in your career field — or you may go to Officer Candidate School to master Army leadership skills.
Four new service members do push-ups in front of a line of their peers.

What to Pack for Basic Training

August 29, 2018 @ 12:48 PM | 4 Min Read | 44702 Views

You'll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training - everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn't pack.
American Red Cross branded First-Aid materials are spread across a table.

American Red Cross Support for Military Families

August 29, 2018 @ 12:46 PM | 3 Min Read | 17719 Views

The American Red Cross offers important support to service members, veterans and their families. You'll find the Red Cross in hometowns across America, on military installations around the world and deployed with the armed forces to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Djibouti.
Drill Instructor shouts at recruits

Marine Corps Boot Camp and Officer Candidates School: What to Expect

March 15, 2018 @ 10:02 AM | 5 Min Read | 22347 Views

Marine Corps Basic Recruit Training is the first step in preparing you mentally and physically to serve. The second step is the School of Infantry, where you'll develop core skills for service.
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